AhlulBayt News Agency (ABNA): World Hijab Day 2026 was commemorated on February 1 across the globe under the slogan “#UnityInHijab,” with events and official statements focusing on solidarity with Muslim women and efforts to confront discrimination and Islamophobia.
Observed annually since 2013, World Hijab Day invites people from diverse backgrounds to engage with the experiences of hijab-wearing women and to understand the hijab as a symbol of identity, dignity, and personal choice. This year’s programs stressed that visibility in public spaces can expose Muslim women to pressure, excessive scrutiny, and harassment, highlighting the need for collective action in social, professional, and educational environments.
The “Unity in Hijab” campaign encouraged women from different communities to stand alongside Muslim women against discrimination. Organizers said Islamophobia is intertwined with other forms of inequality, and that genuine solidarity requires listening to Muslim women’s voices, strengthening their social position, pursuing legal protections, and formally recognizing Islamophobia within public policy frameworks.
Events were held in numerous countries. In Nigeria, First Lady Oluremi Tinubu praised Muslim women’s commitment to their religious beliefs and underscored peaceful coexistence and respect for diversity as foundations of national unity.
Media reports indicate that World Hijab Day is now observed in more than 140 countries, featuring virtual conferences, educational workshops, and public awareness campaigns aimed at promoting mutual understanding and protecting rights related to Islamic dress.
At the same time, cultural attention to the representation of the hijab in art and public space has increased, with its presence in television and cinema reflecting shifting social perceptions of the role and identity of Muslim women.
According to organizers, World Hijab Day 2026 not only demonstrated global solidarity but also served as a reminder of the ongoing need to confront discrimination and support freedom of religious expression at the international level.
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